Ballard Partners is joining forces with Forward Global, a public affairs and risk advisory firm with offices in the U.S. and Europe, in a partnership aimed at broadening services for clients operating in the world’s two largest economic zones.
The collaboration includes Ballard Global Alliance establishing a presence in Paris and Brussels. In what Ballard Partners describes as an “industry first,” Forward Global Partner Mike Rubino will also serve as a Partner at Ballard to help launch the effort.
“Companies today face policy challenges that don’t respect borders,” said Brian Ballard, founder of Ballard Partners. “A tariff decision in Washington ripples through Brussels, and E.U. data-privacy rules directly impact commercial decision-making in capitals across the U.S. and the world. This partnership gives our clients the strategic coherence they need across both sides of the Atlantic.”
Forward Global already operates in Paris, Brussels, London and Abidjan, while Ballard maintains offices in Washington, Miami, New York and Los Angeles. Together, they aim to offer clients a comprehensive platform that addresses global political, regulatory, and reputational challenges.
“Ballard Partners is one of the most respected names in Washington, and this partnership comes at a pivotal moment in our firm’s growth,” said John Procter, managing partner of Forward Global US. “When a client faces regulatory scrutiny in Washington, Brussels or London, they need advisers who can coordinate and execute the most efficient and effective strategy to get the job done.”
Ballard Partners and Forward Global said Rubino’s dual-partner role represents a novel approach to cross-firm collaboration in the professional services sector.
“Most firms talk about international capabilities, but few can deliver truly integrated counsel,” he said. “This structure ensures clients get consistent strategic advice whether they’re navigating Capitol Hill or the European Parliament, and without the typical coordination headaches of working with separate firms.
“By joining forces, we’re expanding what each firm can deliver and ensuring clients have the expertise and execution they need, wherever they need it.”
